By the Grace of G-d 5 Tammuz 5711 Brooklyn, N.Y.
Pvte Bernard S. Cytryn
Co A.116 Eng.C.Br.US51064118
APO #301 c/o PM
San Francisco, Cal.
My dear Bernard:
I was pleased to receive your letter of June 12, and to hear that all is well with you. I was glad that you described the Seder in Korea.
I hope you will continue to write to me of your wellbeing.
It was a little surprising to me that you do not mention anything about your personal contact with your friends in matters of Yiddishkeit, for while influence by good example is effective often enough, it is necessary to make it the subject of conversation whenever possible.
Under separate cover the office will send you some numbers of the ”TALKS AND TALES” monthly magazine,1 where you will find interesting topics for conversation and much important data. If you see fit, you can lend them also to your friends, or have public readings in groups, etc.
I trust you find your trip to Japan restful and enjoyable. I am looking forward to your next letter.
With best wishes
Cordially,
M. Schneerson
Notes and sources
Mr. Bernard Cytryn was a holocaust survivor who fought in the Korean War. Before departing to Korea, Mr. Cytryn had an audience with the Rebbe. The Rebbe instructed him to be conscientious in donning Tefillin daily and to influence his friends to do the same. The Rebbe blessed him that although bullets would fly about him, he would still return safely. While in Korea he wrote to the Rebbe about the Seder he made in Korea. The Rebbe then replied with this letter that reached him in Korea (Chabad.org).
1) Talks and Tales was a monthly magazine edited by Rabbi Nissan Mindel and published by Merkos L'Inoyonei Chinuch. It began publication in Chanukah, 5702, and continued for 47 years. The monthly covered a wide range of Jewish topics that would be of interest to Jewish youth.
Source: Photocopy of original.
Published: My Story (Jem), 63.